⚡ Key Takeaways
- Choose your size: The series offers three models (42mm, 47mm, 51mm) to match your wrist and style, from the compact 5S Plus to the feature-maximizing 5X Plus.
- Maximize battery life: Battery performance scales with size, with the 5X Plus leading at up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and the 5S Plus having the shortest lifespan.
- Access advanced navigation: All models include built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, preloaded TOPO maps, and Trendline routing for reliable outdoor adventures.
- Track comprehensive health metrics: Leverage wrist-based heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, training status, and (on the 5X Plus) a pulse oximeter for blood oxygen levels.
- Enjoy onboard music and payments: Store up to 500 songs, stream from services like Spotify, and make contactless payments with Garmin Pay.
- Customize your experience: Download watch faces, apps, and data fields from the Garmin Connect IQ store to personalize your multisport watch.
This definitive comparison cuts through the noise. We break down all three Fenix 5 Plus models to reveal the exact size, battery life, and feature differences. You will get clear, actionable data. Our goal is simple: to help you pick the perfect multisport watch in under 5 minutes. Stop researching. Start deciding.
Buying the wrong sports watch costs you $500 on average. It reduces workout efficiency by 27%. 68% of athletes abandon their watch within 6 months due to poor battery life or complex interfaces.
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series is a premium line of multisport GPS watches. These rugged devices offer advanced fitness tracking, navigation, and adventure features. They are the direct predecessors to the Fenix 6 and Fenix 7 series, providing serious outdoor athletes with powerful, all-terrain wrist tech.
The main features of the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series are:
- Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, bright and easy to read outdoors, and touchscreen
- Preloaded sport modes for various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more
- Up to 12 days long battery life in smartwatch mode (varies by model)
- Clock features include time/date, GPS time sync, auto daylight saving, alarm, timer, and stopwatch
- Download watch faces, widgets, data fields, and apps from the Garmin Connect IQ Store
- Built-in navigation sensors include multi-band GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support with preloaded TOPO maps and Trendline popularity routing
- Wrist-based heart rate monitor with advanced metrics such as VO2 max and training status
- Storage for up to 500 songs and compatibility with music streaming services such as Spotify
- Garmin Pay ready contactless payment solution that lets you pay with your watch
- Pulse oximeter sensor on the Fenix 5X Plus that measures blood oxygen levels
The main differences of the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series are:
The main differences between the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, 5S Plus, and 5X Plus are their size, battery life, and features. According to the Garmin’s website, the 5S Plus is the smallest (42 mm) and lightest, suitable for narrow wrists. The 5 Plus is medium-sized (47 mm) and has a longer battery life than the 5S Plus. The 5X Plus is the largest (51 mm) and heaviest, but also has the most features such as a pulse oximeter sensor.
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series are multisport GPS watches offering advanced fitness, adventure, and navigation features. They are the predecessors of the Fenix 6 series and come in three different sizes:
- Fenix®️ Plus (47 mm),
- Fenix®️ Plus S (42 mm)
- Fenix®️ Plus X (51 mm).
Some differences between them are:
Battery life:
– Plus X has longest battery life upto 20 days🔋in smartwatch mode📱, 13 hrs⏰in GPS🛰️mode with music🎵and 70 hrs⏳in UltraTrac™️mode.
– Plus has battery life upto 12 days🔋in smartwatch📱mode,8 hrs⏰in GPS🛰️mode with music🎵and 42 hrs⏳in UltraTrac™️mode.
– Plus S has battery life upto 7 days🔋in smartwatch📱mode,4.5 hrs⏰in GPS🛰️mode with music🎵and 25 hrs⏳in UltraTrac™️mode.
Display size:
Another difference between the models is their display size and resolution. The Fenix 5S Plus has a display size of 1.2 inches (30.4 mm) with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The Fenix 5 Plus has the same display size but a higher resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. The Fenix 5X Plus has a larger display size of 1.4 inches (35.6 mm) with a 280 x 280 pixels resolution. A larger display means more room for data fields, maps, and widgets but consumes more battery power.
Pulse oximeter:
– Only model featuring pulse oximeter sensor measuring blood oxygen saturation levels at high altitudes: Plus X.
Maps:
– Preloaded full-color TOPO maps for North America or Europe depending on the region purchased: Plus X. Other models have basic maps showing nearby points of interest.
Weight:
– Lightest model: Plus S: weighs between 65g & 69g, depending on the material case
| Feature | 5 Plus | 5S Plus | 5X Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case size (mm) | 47 | 42 | 51 |
| Display size (mm) | 30.4 | 27.9 | 30.4 |
| Display resolution (pixels) | 240 x 240 | 240 x 240 | 240 x 240 |
| Weight (g) with silicone band | 86.0 | 65.0 | 96.0 |
| Battery life (smartwatch mode) (days) | 12 | 7 | 20 |
| Battery life (GPS mode with music) (hours) | 8 | 4.5 | 13 |
| Music storage | Up to 500 songs | Up to 500 songs | Up to 1000 songs |
| Navigation | Full-color maps | Full-color maps | Full-color maps |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | No | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Fenix 5S Plus, 5 Plus, and 5X Plus?
The primary difference is size. The Fenix 5S Plus is compact (42 mm), the 5 Plus is standard (47 mm), and the 5X Plus is largest (51 mm). Size impacts battery life and screen visibility. The 5X Plus also uniquely includes a pulse oximeter sensor, which the other two models lack.
How long does the battery last on the Fenix 5 Plus watches?
Battery life varies by model and usage. In smartwatch mode, it ranges up to 12 days. The larger 5X Plus typically offers the longest battery, while the compact 5S Plus has the shortest. Actual duration depends on features used, like GPS tracking and music playback.
Does the Fenix 5 Plus series have music storage and contactless payments?
Yes, all three models include Garmin Pay for contactless payments and onboard music storage for up to 500 songs. They are also compatible with streaming services like Spotify, allowing you to leave your phone behind during workouts.
What navigation features come with the Fenix 5 Plus series?
All models feature built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, along with preloaded TOPO maps and Trendline popularity routing. These tools provide reliable turn-by-turn navigation for outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling.
Which Fenix 5 Plus model is best for someone with a small wrist?
The Fenix 5S Plus, with its 42 mm case, is designed for smaller wrists. It offers all core features in a compact design. While its battery life is shorter than the larger models, it remains a full-featured multisport GPS watch.
What health metrics can the Fenix 5 Plus track?
The watches track wrist-based heart rate, VO2 max, training status, and more. The Fenix 5X Plus adds a pulse oximeter for blood oxygen level monitoring. All models provide comprehensive insights for fitness and recovery.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus series remains a formidable choice for adventurers in 2026, offering the core durability, advanced navigation, and comprehensive health tracking needed for serious outdoor pursuits. The key decision lies in balancing size with battery life and specific features—whether you prioritize the sleek, compact design of the 5S Plus, the versatile middle ground of the 5 Plus, or the maximum screen and sensor suite of the 5X Plus. Its enduring value is found in its rugged reliability and a deeply customizable ecosystem through Garmin Connect IQ.
Your next step is clear: assess your primary activities, wrist size, and which premium features are non-negotiable. Visit trusted retailers or the official Garmin site to check current 2026 pricing and certified refurbished options, as the Fenix 5 Plus often presents a significant value compared to newer models. Download the Garmin Connect app to preview the powerful platform that will manage your health and fitness data, and decide if onboard music and contactless payments fit your active lifestyle.
Stop deliberating and start exploring. The right tool for your next summit, trail, or training breakthrough is waiting. Choose your model, strap it on, and let your next adventure begin.
Alexios Papaioannou
Mission: To strip away marketing hype through engineering-grade stress testing. Alexios combines 10+ years of data science with real-world biomechanics to provide unbiased, peer-reviewed analysis of fitness technology.